Strictly's Amy Dowden makes emotional statement as she reaches cancer milestone
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has made an emotional statement to mark one year since she finished chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The professional dancer, who has had to step away from the Strictly dance floor due to a foot injury, thanked "those around me who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Amy was treated for stage 3 breast cancer last year and had to miss out on dancing with a celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing for the last series. This year, she made a triumphant return to the dance floor and was paired with JLS singer JB Gill, but earlier this week she announced that she has had to withdraw from the competition due to a foot injury. JB has since been paired with pro dancer Lauren Oakley.
In her post on Saturday 9 November, Amy shared clips of her time in hospital and some of the high points from the past year, including her return to Strictly. She wrote: "Since 09.11.2023 I made a promise to myself that I'd always go grab life, what @nicknacklou taught me," referring to breast cancer campaigner Nicky Newman, who died last year. "At the time I didn't know what was ahead, awaiting tests and I guess the hardest part yet the long recovery from what chemo and surgery does to you."
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She continued: "I was a 'new' me but deep inside found I had zero confidence. Even until late spring I wasn't sure I had the confidence to dance again. I just didn't feel like me. But I'm so glad I pushed through because it's what has made me truly happy again."
The 34 year old Welsh dancer added: "Today I'm not celebrating how I imagined and so wanted to," referring to the fact she had wanted to celebrate her anniversary on the Strictly dancefloor. "I've made myself look back on the last year and feel so proud of all I have achieved and what I would have told the struggling Amy back last December and January what was ahead."
She went on to thank the doctors and nurses who have cared for her, as well as the breast cancer awareness campaign CoppaFeel! and Giovanna Fletcher "who ultimately got me checking and saved my life." Amy had completed a CoppaFeel! trek with Giovanna before she began to check her own breasts, and she found a lump months later, the day before she went on honeymoon with husband Ben Jones.
Amy also said: "Yes, life throws many bumps along the way but I'm ensuring these bumps teach me and push me to become better, don't get bitter get better. I'm also lucky to have those around me who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly. You all know who you are and I love you endlessly."
Amy finished by saying she would "keep pushing, keep dreaming and make sure I go grab life in every way possible!"
